Queens speech Employment law in the coming year

Published:19/07/2012

Queen's speech – Employment Law in the coming year

The Queen's speech outlined the Government's legislative programme for the coming year.

Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill

The speech included specific proposals for streamlining regulations and boosting economic growth though a new 'Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill'. The stated aim is to reduce burdens on business by repealing unnecessary legislation and refocusing Government inspections.

Flexible Work - Children and Families Bill

New measures in the Children and Families Bill will see Maternity Leave become Parental Leave, enabling mothers and fathers to share childcare responsibilities in the way that suits them best. Some employer bodies have come out against the changes, fearing additional complexity and burden for businesses, but the new way of splitting leave presents an opportunity for recruiters, many of whom are already well versed in sourcing maternity cover across a range of business sectors. It is a chance for recruiters to take on more of a consultative role, helping their clients effectively resource new gaps that emerge in their workforce as a result of the changes.
The Children and Families Bill was also expected to include an extension of the Right to Request to all workers, but it remains unclear whether this reform has actually made it into the Bill at this stage.

Modernising the pensions system

Plans for further Pensions reform remain a controversial topic. The intent is to modernise the state Pension system through the creation of a single tier pension which will be set above the basic pension credit means-test. It will also serve to increase the state pension age to 67 between 2026 and 2028. On the back of this, the role of agency work as a means of staying in work longer but in a more flexible capacity will become increasingly important.

'Groceries Code' - Implications for the industrial sector

The creation of the Groceries Code Adjudicator looks set to have a significant impact on the industrial and fresh produce supply chains across the UK. With weighty powers to ensure supermarkets and other large retailers treat suppliers fairly, and do not simply pass cost and risk down the supply chain, the actions and decisions of the adjudicator could, in time, alter staffing supply models in the Gangmaster License Authority licensed sectors.